Michigan Medical Marijuana Program Overview
Michigan's Medical Marijuana Program, managed by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA), provides eligible patients legal access to medical cannabis. MMJ.com offers eligibility assessments, secure telemedicine evaluations, and application guidance.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Patients must obtain certification from a licensed Michigan healthcare provider for one or more of these conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn's Disease
- Agitation of Alzheimer's Disease
- Nail Patella Syndrome
- Severe and Chronic Pain
- Severe Nausea
- Seizures (including Epilepsy)
- Severe Muscle Spasms (including Multiple Sclerosis)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Autism
- Arthritis
- Chronic Migraines
- Terminal Illness (prognosis of 6 months or less)
Program Details
- Dispensary Access: State-licensed dispensaries
- Home Cultivation: Patients may grow up to 12 plants at home
- Telehealth: Available for evaluations
MMJ.com Services
- Eligibility Verification: Review of patient medical records for eligibility assessment
- Telehealth Evaluations: Secure, HIPAA-compliant telemedicine consultations with licensed Michigan providers
- Application Assistance: Guidance throughout the certification process
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Michigan's decision to include it in the state program.
Cancer, Severe Nausea, Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
These are approved qualifying conditions under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Arthritis
Arthritis is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in patients with rheumatic conditions. (Blake et al., Rheumatology 2006)
Chronic Migraines
Chronic migraines are an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among migraine patients. (Rhyne et al., Pharmacotherapy 2016)
Seizures (Epilepsy)
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Severe Muscle Spasms, Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle spasms and MS are approved qualifying conditions under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Autism
Autism is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients with autism spectrum disorder. (Aran et al., Sci Rep 2019)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients undergoing antiviral treatment. (Sylvestre et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006)
ALS
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with Crohn's Disease. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Agitation of Alzheimer's Disease
Agitation of Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program. Michigan included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in dementia patients. (Woodward et al., J Alzheimers Dis 2014)
Nail Patella Syndrome
Nail Patella Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program as determined by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency.
Terminal Illness
Terminal illness (prognosis of 6 months or less) is an approved qualifying condition under Michigan's medical marijuana program as determined by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency.
Petition Process for New Conditions
- Petition Submission: Michigan residents may petition the MRA to add additional qualifying conditions. Petitions must include medical documentation, scientific research, and healthcare provider endorsements.
- Review Timeline: Petitions are typically decided within approximately 180 days.
Special Patient Categories
Caregivers
- Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old, registered separately with the MRA
- Responsibilities: Acquiring, cultivating, and managing medical cannabis for qualified patients
Pediatric Patients
- Requirements: Certifications from two healthcare providers, plus consent from a parent or guardian
- Support: MMJ.com provides guidance for families managing pediatric medical cannabis treatment
Program Features
- Home Cultivation: Permitted - up to 12 plants at home
- Application Processing: Typically 15-30 days
- Residents Only: Program is exclusively available to Michigan residents
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly is medical cannabis approval granted? Michigan typically processes patient applications within 15-30 days after submission.
Can non-residents access Michigan's medical cannabis program? No, the program is exclusively available to Michigan residents.
Is home cultivation permitted? Yes, registered patients and caregivers may cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants at home.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Michigan's qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. The inclusion of a condition in Michigan's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.